Peterson reveals 'the scary thing' about this year's Vikings team

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 25, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is taking note of the potential his young team has. Gregory Shamus Getty Images

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is powering one of the NFL's top teams. There are three undefeated squads remaining (the Patriots, Bengals and Panthers). The Denver Broncos have one loss, and the Vikings are one of three two-loss teams.

Peterson's 31-touch offensive performance against the St. Louis Rams in Week 9 lifted the Vikings to their sixth victory of the season, as the All-Pro back generated 143 yards of offense and provided a six-yard touchdown run. As long as he's balling out, Minnesota may keep rolling.

"I feel good," Peterson said, per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. "Just another confidence-builder for us. ... We're still learning, and I feel like that's the scary thing."

Peterson, 30, is on the top of his game. He's leading the league with 758 rushing yards through eight games (94.8 yards per game). While the veteran running back has little room to improve, his younger teammates still have a long way to go.

Second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is still developing, and his top target, rookie receiver Stefon Diggs, has only emerged recently. Key defensive starters such as safety Harrison Smith, cornerback Xavier Rhodes, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are all playing under their rookie contracts.

Minnesota's Mike Zimmer is only in his second season as an NFL head coach, so he's still learning how to win too. The Vikings are a surprising 6-2 at the season's midpoint, and they haven't yet to maxed out their potential.